Easy hint helps unstick marshmallows

Dear Heloise: Please tell me how to keep marshmallows from sticking together. I have stored them in the bag they came in, closed and in a dry, cool pantry.
Is there a way to unstick them? This has happened to me several times. Anna L. Kasmiersky, Garwood, Texas
Anna, we get this question a lot, so don't feel like the lone marshmallow (terrible pun intended! -- Heloise)! It's usually pretty easy to unstick marshmallows. Just pour a little confectioners' (powdered) sugar or cornstarch into the bag, close and shake, shake, shake until the marshmallows are coated. Most of the marshmallows will fall apart, but there might be a few that remain stubborn, and you should be able to gently pull them apart.
To keep marshmallows fresh and unstuck, put them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or a container with a tightfitting lid and store them in the freezer. When needed, remove and thaw at room temperature, and they are good as new.
Here's a hint if marshmallows are too dry: Be sure you have a sealable container or bag and add a piece of white bread. The moisture from the bread will help soften the marshmallows. Heloise
Dear Readers: Since we are on the subject of marshmallows, let's test your knowledge. Here we go: How many small marshmallows equal one large one?
A. 5.
B. 7.
C. 10.
Do you "C" the answer? That's right, 10 small marshmallows equal one large one. OK, let's try one more time: How many large marshmallows equal a 10-ounce bag? About 38-40! Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here is a gravy hint to pass on: Any brown gravy tastes sooo much better when you add a little leftover coffee from breakfast. How much? When making brown gravy, start with a little and then adjust to taste. Try it -- you will love it. Ann Coulter, Punta Gorda, Fla.
Dear Heloise: Filling bottom-loaded saltshakers can be a trial. Now I cover the holes at the top of the shaker with a bit of tape and fill it from the bottom without any spills. Dolores D. Crispen, Oceanside, Calif.
Here are two hints from a Kent reader:
Since my measuring cups don't have ounces on them, I purchased a couple of baby bottles. Now, when my recipe calls for a couple of ounces of milk or water, presto!
I have watched cooks on television open cans and throw the lids into a bowl or the trash. I wish they would just place the lid in the can after the can is empty to prevent cuts on fingers or hands.
Dear Heloise: Another way to add vegetables to the family diet (one woman pureed them in the mashed potatoes) is to add vegetable puree to meatloaves, including salmon and turkey loaf as well as the conventional hamburger meatloaf. Susan Forkner, Salem, Ore.
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate